Great Xia Kyoto, whether it was a temple or a folk, was shocked by the fire in the prison of the Criminal Department. The prison of the Criminal Department is different from the Dali Temple Prison, which holds prisoners who are awaiting trial, while the prison of the Criminal Department is death row prisoners except for serious crimes. It is unbelievable that such a well-guarded place can be burned to death by fire.

When the officials of the DPRK and China learned of this, their shock was different from that of the people. The first thing that came to mind for the officers who learned the inside story was Xiangguo Yu Ban and Feng Zhun, the squire of the military department. Even a fool can see that the whole incident is a conspiracy at all. It can be said that the unscrupulousness of the mastermind behind this has reached the point of outrageousness.

Lao Hanlin Wang Shidu, Du Yushi Wu Guangguang, and Hao Chengjian, the waiter of the Ministry of Rites, and others jointly prepared a recital, preparing to impeach Xiangguo Yu Ban and Feng Zhun of the Ministry of War. At the very least, they have to be temporarily suspended from their posts to accept the joint interrogation of Dali Temple and Yushitai. can do tricks and feet in the prison, and even the officials who present the folds dare to intercept and kill, which makes many officials panic. If they don't stop it, maybe one day, the dark arrow shot behind this curtain will fall on their heads.

Outside the court, the officials of the Great Xia and the bigwigs of the Yushitai Hanlin Academy waited for the court one by one with cold faces. Xiangguo Yu Ban and Feng Zhun, the squire of the military department, also turned blue and looked extremely angry. The door of the court has not yet opened, and the officials outside the court have begun to prepare for a big showdown. Especially Wu Guangguang and others, they feel that after so many years of forbearance and concession, they have reached the point of irretrievable trouble. On the other hand, Pang Gang, the servant of the Criminal Department, kept his head down and closed his eyes, turning a blind eye to whoever came to greet him.

In the Palace of Nourishing the Heart, Emperor Yuning was lying on the couch, and his body was getting weaker and weaker. Wei Tong bowed down and stood on the edge of the couch, waiting carefully.

"Master, it's time to go to court, do you want a slave to change your clothes for you?"

Emperor Yuning rubbed the Yin Hall, "Wei Dong, the three princes of Xuandezhang, Deqing and Deguang come here." ”

"No, the old slave will do it." Wei Dong agreed, and hurriedly ordered someone to pass on the three princes.

The officials outside the court are anxiously waiting, the hour has passed for a long time, why haven't the court started today. Just when the adults were puzzled, a eunuch on duty sang loudly.

"Hundreds of civil and military officials are in order, go to the court~!"

The ministers of civil and military affairs returned to their respective positions, divided into two columns of civil and military according to their ranks, and began to enter the Jinluan Palace. The civil and military officials stood up and waited for a while, but they did not announce the arrival of Emperor Yuning as in the past.

Wang Shidu couldn't help but be a little puzzled, thinking that the atmosphere of the early dynasty was strange today, could it be that Emperor Yuning was brewing a big purge?

After a while, I saw the chief eunuch Wei Dong walking to the throne with a whisk in his hand. Wei Tong glanced at everyone and said loudly.

"Your Majesty's dictation, Your Majesty has been fasting and praying for the blessings of the gods these days, and will not take care of the government for the time being. His Majesty has a decree that the eldest prince Deguang, the second prince Deqing and the third prince Dezhang will jointly preside over the government during the fasting period. Chin this! ”

After Wei Dong finished speaking, all the courtiers showed surprised eyes. At such a critical time, Emperor Yuning couldn't avoid the court? Besides, the three princes are in charge of the government at the same time, which is not to be quarreled.

Yu Ban is also very strange, it is said that the prince is in charge of such a big matter, Emperor Yuning should gather a few old ministers to inform in advance. In case there are any deviations and disputes between the princes, the old ministers should also have a focus. Now it is announced that the three princes are jointly ruling for no reason, how can the courtiers understand which prince's words are the main ones?

Just as the court officials were talking, the three princes walked in from the side hall. Several eunuchs moved three drum stools and placed them under the dragon chairs in the main hall.

The three princes are all in good spirits, and their court clothes are bright. Walking up the steps, none of the three princes sat down. Everyone in the audience was also watching, they all wanted to see who would sit on the drum bench in the middle.

The eldest prince Zhao Deguang glanced left and right, and said with a smile, "Second brother, you are now in charge of the Hanlin Academy's Cabinet of Documents, and you are well versed in history books and governing the country. ”

The second prince Deqing knew that the eldest and the third were at odds, so he deliberately wooed himself to stand aside with him. However, Deqing understands that the power behind the third Dezhang is huge, and he doesn't want to offend his third brother.

"Brother Emperor, the third brother commands the nine soldiers and horses, Kyoto is his one-acre and three-point land, in the middle of this, let the third brother sit."

The eldest prince Deguang's face darkened slightly, and then he smiled, "Yes, yes, the third brother has been working hard these days, so let's sit down with the third brother." ”

The third prince Dezhang sneered, "Don't shirk, everyone, the young and the old are orderly, or the eldest brother will sit down." Let's keep resigning, and the ministers in the audience will have to see the joke. After the third prince Dezhang finished speaking, he took the lead in sitting on the drum stool on the right-hand side.

The eldest prince Deguang was secretly happy in his heart, this was a great opportunity to show his face in front of the ministers. Today's middle seat will likely sit on the dragon chair in the future. The eldest prince was no longer polite, and the three princes sat down separately.

Lao Hanlin and Yu Ban both nodded slightly, and neither Deqing nor Dezhang fought for this middle seat, which made them very happy in their hearts. In front of all the ministers, sometimes humility can win hearts and minds more than competition.

The three princes sat down, Yu Ban looked left and right, and led the hundred officials to come forward to pay respects.

"Ministers, see the three highnesses~! Chitose Chitose Chitose Chitose ~! ”

The eldest prince Deguang raised his hand excitedly, "Ministers, please get up~!" ”

The old eunuch Wei Dong looked at the stage and the stage in his eyes, and did not dare to miss a trace. The ministers got up, and Wei Dong stepped forward and said.

"Today, the three princes are in charge, and your lordships have something to do early, and you have nothing to do to retreat~!"

As soon as Wei Dong's voice fell, Lao Hanlin Wang Shidu stood up, "Old minister, there is something to play~!" ”

The second prince respected Wang Shidu very much, and when he heard this, he quickly stood up, "The old bachelor has something to play, please tell me." ”

The eldest prince Deguang glanced at the second brother dissatisfied, and also said, "Boss, please speak." ”

Wang Shidu took out a note, "Three highnesses, there was an accident in the prison of the Criminal Department a few days ago, and such a major matter must be strictly investigated. Moreover, this matter involves the senior members of our court, and the old ministers and others admonished him, asking His Majesty to be the master of the three halls of the trial, and to return the innocence of the world. ”

After Wang Shidu finished speaking, a eunuch took the fold and trotted to the stage. The second prince, Deqing, took the fold, but didn't look at it first, and handed it directly to the eldest brother Deguang. This small action made the eldest prince Deguang very satisfied.

After reading the recital, Deguang's face changed slightly, and he handed it to his second brother Deqing. After the three of them finished reading it, they understood that Lao Hanlin and others were going to impeach Xiangguo Yu Ban and Feng Zhun, the squire of the military department. The third prince Dezhang glanced at Yu Ban nervously, but did not say anything.

Yu Ban looked at Feng Zhun, and also stepped forward and said, "Yu Ban has a performance." ”

The eldest prince Deguang saw that Yu Ban did not play in his hands, and asked, "What does Lord Xiangguo have to play?" ”

"Just now Lao Hanlin said that there was an accident in the Criminal Department, so why not ask the huge people in the Criminal Department to tell me what is going on."

As soon as Yu Ban said this, all eyes focused on Pang Gang. Today, this waiter of the criminal department is indeed acting a little strange, as if he is completely out of the matter.

Since he was named, Pang Gang couldn't pretend to be deaf and dumb, so he had to stand up and say, "Regarding the prison of the Criminal Department, I have already reported it to the Internal Affairs Office yesterday, and I believe many adults already know about it. After investigation, this incident ~ should be an accident at present. Of course, in terms of details, the Criminal Department is investigating, and will give you an explanation when the time comes. ”

"Accidents? Hum! The prison of the Criminal Department was an accident, and was the official who presented the fold also an accident? Du Yushi Wu Guangguang asked angrily.

Many adults showed contempt in their eyes, and Pang Gang, the waiter of the Criminal Department, usually acted more neutrally, but he didn't expect that he would actually protect Yu Ban and others. With such an obvious conspiracy, could it be that the criminal department is all wine bags and rice bags.

"Lord Wu, the official of my criminal department was shot and killed, this is a big case, of course we must investigate it clearly. However, until the investigation is clear, the official does not dare to express any opinion. ”

"Huge people, you don't dare, I'm afraid you're afraid of offending some people. This matter, please also ask the three princes to forward it to Your Majesty, this matter is not resolved, the hundred officials in the court are panicked, it is very unfavorable to my Great Xia, and I hope that the three princes will consider it. Old Hanlin Wang Shidu said righteously.

"Boss, it's not right for you to say that, my criminal department has always been based on facts in handling cases. Before the truth is clarified, the lower officials dare not speak falsely. ”

Pang Gangxin said that the current situation in Kyoto is changing, and if one is not good, he will lose his head. It's better to pretend to be deaf and dumb and look at the direction of the wind first. Moreover, Lord Huai's warning last night made him tremble and didn't dare to say more in the court.

The three princes looked at each other, and the eldest prince was about to speak, but Wei Dong took the first step and said, "Lord Hanlin, Your Majesty has said in your will that no matter what happens in the past few days, the three princes will be in charge. ”

"What, such a big matter is also decided by the three princes?" Wang Shidu asked in surprise.

"Yes, that's what it says."

"No, the old minister wants to meet the emperor."

Wei Dong said tepidly, "Your Majesty fasts and prays, don't be disturbed by mundane things, and I hope you will understand." ”

At this moment, the court suddenly seemed to be boiling a pot, and there were discussions. After all, this matter implicated the courtiers of the first rank in the DPRK, and the officials were shot to death, which threatened everyone's safety. For such a big thing, Emperor Yuning didn't come forward, could it be said that even Emperor Yuning was afraid?

"Silence~! Give me silence! The eldest prince Deguang shouted angrily, he felt that the first time he was in charge of the government was actually chaotic, he simply didn't take the three brothers seriously.

The court fell silent, and everyone waited to see what the three princes would do. The eldest prince Deguang and the others quieted down, but he didn't know what to do.

"Two imperial brothers, what do you think of this twist?"

"Such a major matter must be strictly investigated." The second prince said.

The third prince Dezhang looked at the people in the stand, stood up and asked loudly, "Apart from this matter, do you have anything else to play?" ”

The civil and military officials looked at each other, and said in their hearts that if this matter is not solved, how can they still have the heart to ask about other things. It seems that it can only be solved after Emperor Yuning fasts.

The third prince Dezhang saw that no one stood up, and then said, "Please ask the old Hanlin Wang Shidu, the criminal department attendant Pang Gang, the Dali Temple Qing Fan Cheng, the capital imperial Shi Wu Guangguang, and the officials and the servants Chu Baoxiong and others to wait in the council hall." Others, etc., retreat! ”

The eldest prince Deguang and the second prince Deqing looked at the third brother in surprise, they haven't been addicted to this position, and the third brother actually announced his retirement from the dynasty directly. This kind of practice is simply treating them as decorations.

Xiangguo couldn't help but glance at Prince Dezhang in admiration, this kind of domineering posture was already quite royal majesty. He also guessed Dezhang's intentions, and if this matter was not investigated, it was not enough to calm the anger of the court. But after all, the third prince is the person he supports, so the person he chose seems to be fair, but he joined a Chu Baoxiong. This means that no matter what news there is, he will be the first to learn about it.

Sure enough, after the court, the three princes and several important ministers immediately set up a joint investigation department headed by Wang Shidu of Lao Hanlin and sponsored by Fan Cheng, the secretary of Dali Temple, to investigate the murder of the prison and officials of the Criminal Department. Moreover, the three princes jointly issued a notice that during the investigation, Xiang Guo was forbidden and Feng Zhun, the squire of the military department, could not resist at any time after listening to it.

Lao Hanlin and the others were full of confidence one by one, ready to take this opportunity to bring down Yu Ban and Feng Zhun in one fell swoop. But after investigating, they found that it was a step by step, although everything was directed at Yu Ban and Feng Zhun, but if they really wanted to come up with specific evidence, they couldn't find it at all. Seven or eight days passed, and there was no progress at all.

These days, the mansions of the three princes are full of people, and the officials of the court and the central government have also begun to choose the candidates they support. There is no clue about the case of the Criminal Department, but the supporters of the three princes are clear. It is even said that the three major factions in the court are distinct, and each of them fights for the greatest right to speak for his master.

At sunset, in the warm pavilion of the palace, Emperor Yuning was wrapped in mink and looked at the folds on the table. On the chair beside him, there was the thin Seventh Prince Delong. These days, Emperor Yuning pays attention to the every move of the three princes. Even the movements of the senior officials of the DPRK and the Central Committee are clearly grasped.

"Little Seven." Emperor Yuning shouted softly.

"Father, son-in-law."

"What your three imperial brothers have done these days, which one do you think is the best?" Emperor Yuning looked at Delong gently.

"Father, the three royal brothers are all good."

"Little slippery head, my father is asking about the shortcomings, I must say."

The Seventh Prince, Delong, thought for a moment and said, "Father, the eldest brother has a strong personality, and his actions are inevitably a little excessive. The second brother is rich and has five cars, but he doesn't know how to work around. Third brother~! Speaking of this, Delon paused slightly.

"What, what do you think of the third child?" Emperor Yuning looked at Delong with interest.

"Father, maybe the third brother is inconvenient to meddle too much in this matter, so the third brother's behavior is quite forbearant and low-key."

Emperor Yuning laughed happily, "Xiao Qi, your vision is very accurate, my father really hopes that you can stand up and fight them." It's a pity, governing the world is not a trivial matter, your body is weak, even if your father gives you the world, it will only harm you. My father is a good example, and in more than ten years, he has dried his body. Xiao Qi, don't hate your father, this is the best ending that your father arranged for you. ”

"Father, the child understands." The Seventh Prince, Delong, said in a low voice.

Emperor Yuning nodded with satisfaction, and said with a sigh, "In the past few days, there has been a lot of chaos in the court, and a few of them, I'm afraid they won't be able to break this situation." It seems that someone has to mess with this situation. ”

After Emperor Yuning finished speaking, he shouted softly outside, "Wei Dong." ”

Wei Dong hurriedly ran in, "The old slave is here." ”

"Why hasn't Huai been missing for the past few days? Go and ask the Investigation and Defense Division, where are Shangguan Heavenly Master? ”

"No! The old slave will do it. ”

"Wait, let the Investigation Department tell Shangguan that I need him, and he must return to Kyoto immediately, and there must be no mistake."

"No!" Wei Tong agreed, turned around and walked out.

The Seventh Prince, Delong, looked at Emperor Yuning and asked softly, "Father, do you want this Lord Shangguan to break this deadlock?" ”

Emperor Yuning nodded slightly, "Shangguan acts unscrupulously in Yushan Pass, which is exactly what the courtiers don't have. After breaking this deadlock, the father was able to do something more important. ”

"Father, the child heard that this Shangguan did things unreasonably, and made a lot of trouble in Yushan Pass, and the child really wanted to see him."

Emperor Yuning smiled slightly, "Hehe, Father Emperor is just wanting you to live in the Heavenly Master Hall for a while. Perhaps with the blessing of the gods, my little seven will become stronger. In the future, the northern camp will be in the hands of your uncle, and here in the court, you can ask this Shangguan Heavenly Master more about anything. The two of them take care of you inside and outside, and your father can rest assured. ”

"The child obeys the orders of his father."

The eyes of the Seventh Prince Delong flashed with an imperceptible light, as a prince, of course he also has ambitions, but for so many years, old physical illnesses have flare-up from time to time, which makes the Seven Princes very helpless. What's more, the Seventh Prince Delong has no power in his hands, and he has no support from the ministers, so he can only watch his brothers rise to prosper. But now, the seventh prince Delong has an idea, after all, his uncle has a heavy army, and if there is anyone in the court to support him, he wants to leave the capital and become a feudal prince who governs by himself. It's just that this opportunity must be fought for by himself, and even his father will not agree to him doing so.

Emperor Yuning didn't know what the Seventh Prince thought, but he didn't let Delong compete for the throne, just to create a favorable environment for this beloved prince to survive more suitably. The northern camp gave Ma Yi, and what Emperor Yuning is worried about now is whether the sign of the Heavenly Master Hall can be set up in the court as soon as possible. In addition, Emperor Yuning is also waiting for Shangguan Xuanwu to come back to break the current deadlock. Only by settling down Kyoto can Emperor Yuning solve another important matter, that is, the handsome Fu of the western camp controls the power.

At the northern border pass of Great Xia, on this day, the convoy of the envoy finally returned to Yushan Pass. Five hundred black-armored guards stood outside the city gate and cheered loudly, Fang Yan rode on the horse heroically, she hadn't seen Duan Lang for so many days, Fang Yan couldn't help but feel a little excited and nervous in her heart.

Duan Lang restrained his horse and glanced back. In the past few days, all he has been thinking about is the bright moon in his mind, and sometimes he even wants to go back and take another look. But Duan Lang understood that there were still a lot of things waiting for him after stepping through Yushan Pass, and he had to put aside these things for the time being and devote himself to the struggle for power. Otherwise, what awaits them a year later will be a disaster.